So I just had the worst ultrasound experience and now I am freaking out.

Susan - posted on 11/04/2012

Sounds like the guy was an ultrasound tech. They are not supposed to tell you anything because they are trained to gather the images not interpret them. By now you probably know what the outcome is. I hope you are okay. The radiology department needs to know about this so that this does not happen to someone else. Another ultrasound especially if they did a transvaginal, may have told more but blood work was more likely to tell the story. In early pregnancy the hormone increases at a steady rate but the level itself varies from woman to woman. The first level does not tell the whole story, the second one 2 to 3 days later is more likely to tell it. Women in this situation could go on to have a healthy happy baby or to miscarry. If you were not as far along as you thought even with a transvaginal ultrasound the cardiac activity may not show yet. If the estimated date was right and cardiac activity not seen with a transvaginal ultrasound, that is not a good sign. Either way, I hope you are doing as well as possible.

Vicki - posted on 10/31/2012

Hey this happened with my second pregnancy.. I had an ultrasound with the Dr at the hospital and I was around 9 weeks... She said she couldn't find a heart beat but could see the sack.. She basically told me that I was either around 5 weeks and there was no heart beat yet.. (with my dates I knew I was around 9 weeks) or the baby hadn't formed.. It was a really bad moment I then demanded another ultrasound with a specialist cos I wanted to know that day and not wait another week for something to happen (like the Dr suggested) so they fitted me in for a proper ultrasound with the right equipment and as soon as the specialist put the ultrasound thing on my tummy we saw a heart beat straight away.. I was 9weeks 3 days.. And now have a 17month old boy.. I'm sure by now u probably have your answer but sometimes Dr's and specialist can be wrong..

When the fetus is so little if they are not in the right spot they can miss things..



hope u have had a positive result..

Lindsey - posted on 10/31/2012

There are generally 2 groups of people who perform ultrasounds, techs and doctors. Techs are not allowed legally to interpret any information they find. They are to forward it on to either an obgyn or a perinatologist to interpret the results. He should not have been so brash or unprofessional. Filing a report would be appropriate for you to do. As far as your pregnancy goes it is possible that you are too early for an accurate finding of the heartbeat. But unfortunately its also possible the baby never formed. Rest assured you are not losing a baby if that should be the case. Its pretty hard to shake a healthy pregnancy and I know how disappointing this is. My best friend endured 3 lost pregnancies before her first daughter was born and one more in between her second beautiful girl. Its hard to say why these things happen please have faith that your body knows better than your head and your heart and you will be blessed with a healthy baby when all the ducks are in a row. I'm so sorry for your experience and I wish you the best.

Terri - posted on 10/31/2012

Unfortunately at 12 weeks, I was told by the doctor that "There is no baby". Just like that. No sympathy, no compassion. She said that the embryo never formed and did I want to go upstairs to have a D&C? Well, I had to get out of there as fast as possible. Thankfully, 3 months later I got pregnant again and I have a wonderful 13 year old daughter. It is a shame that at a time when you are most vulnerable you have to deal with people who are asses and have no heart. I am hoping for the best for you.

Kim - posted on 10/31/2012

I was told the same thing with my last child and he's 9 1/2 yrs old and healthy I was just not far enough along don't worry Ur baby will be fine :)

Denise - posted on 10/30/2012

It is really unfortunate that you had such a terrible experience for something that should be wonderful.

And unfortunately when no heart beat at 8 weeks, it can mean that the fetus is not viable. The best is to wait for your blood work, as the hormone levels (increase/decrease) will be able to tell if fetus is growing or not.

I pray that everything goes well and that you will have a beautiful baby at the end, but remember that so many pregnancies end at such an early stage that sometimes you didn't even know that you were pregnant. I have not had a miscarriage, but a very close friend of mine did, and I saw what it did to her. She is now however almost 7 months pregnant with a healthy boy-so please do not give up hope!

Barbara - posted on 10/30/2012

I would request another u/s at a new and different facility. Plz make sure you report the tech so another woman is not put through the same horrifyingly experience. When my son was born he was premature and hospitalized for raven pneumonia. I had a tech fired on the spot for treatment he gave my son. And no I did not feel bad about it either. They have standards they need to live up too. I wish you all the luck. You will be in my prayers.

Julia - posted on 10/30/2012

When I had my ultrasounds at my OB/GYN clinic, they always showed me the screen, answered all my questions, and pointed out the baby & printed me 2 pics. On my 2nd pregnancy they only did one of my 2 ultrasounds. The other one thy farmed me out to an office nearby that specializes in ultrasounds. The technician there was very nice & told me before we began that she was not legally allowed to answer any of my questions. Her role was to take pics & measurements & forward the info on to her superior who would interpret the pics & data & double check her work. Then their conclusions / findings would be sent on to my dr. who would contact me in approximately 2 weeks with the results. She did bend the rules & turned the screen toward me when she was done & said here is an "interesting shot". I was able to pick out my baby's form. So though he shouldn't have been on the phone, maybe your tech also is not legally allowed to answer questions or point anything out.

Connie - posted on 10/30/2012

I see this was posted ten days ago, would like to hear about the outcome, either way.

Adrienne - posted on 10/30/2012

Hope for the best but expect the worst

Rachel - posted on 10/30/2012

I would wait for the blood work. That doesn't lie.

I hope everything is okay. I know my doctor didn't even look for the heartbeat until 12 weeks.

Mary - posted on 10/28/2012

I think that one you need to call the medical board and report him and two go and get another ultrasound at another clinic for another one. Good luck to you.

Ronda - posted on 10/24/2012

~hug~ I hope it works out!

Billie - posted on 10/24/2012

I was right where you are just a year ago. I was 12 weeks when they could not find the heartbeat. I had 2 relatively normal pregnancies with 2 healthy boys to show for it. Last year I went in and they could not find a heartbeat with a regular Doppler so they immediately took me to ultrasound. Indeed there was not a heartbeat, I became pregnant again a few months later and that one was also lost at 12 weeks. The most important thing is that you remain calm for the babies sake. It could just be some mistake and all is well. I am now about 4 weeks pregnant and pray every day and I will hope and pray for you as well, because i would never wish the loss of a child on anyone! Stay strong and try not to stress!

Dana - posted on 10/24/2012

I am so very sorry for you right now. I have been in your position more times than I would ever wish on anyone. Unfortunately, I have had the U/S go both ways. I have had them find a legitimate blighted ovum (when the egg divides unevenly, only producing the sac, but no embryo) on two ultrasounds, but both of those were done in my doc's office and with a legit U/S company. However, the story I would like to leave you with is this. With my last pregnancy, I was supposed to be at 8 weeks and my HCG levels were off the charts. When I went to my doc's office for the first u/s, the doc that did it was the one who delivered my daughter a couple of years before, so needless to say I was at ease with him and his capabilities. Well, I think I knew as soon as they rolled in the machine that something was amiss. The machine was at least 25 years old and my husband and I were even joking about the residue of gel that was built up on the machine. Well, after a very quick transvaginal-less than two minutes of looking- the doc diagnosed it as another blighted ovum. Needless to say, my hubby and I were heartbroken, but after being pregnant 6 times, having two c-sections, losing a pre-term baby and having one healthy child to show for it all, we had gotten accustomed to receiving bad news. We put on our game faces, scheduled the D &E, I had another blood draw for HCG levels and then we walked out of the office to break down privately in the car. However, after getting home later that night, something was not sitting right with me. We've had a blighted ovum before, so I can understand the doc's immediate assumption of such a diagnosis, however, blighted ovums are really rare. I googled misdiagnosed blighted ovums and found story after story of misdiagnosed b/o's with a perfectly healthy baby to show for it. That was all I needed to fuel my fire. I called the doc's office the next day and told them that I wanted to get a follow up HCG blood draw and a second opinion ultrasound from a SPECIALIST. On that call, she told me that my HCG levels from the draw on my last visit had increased yet again. When I asked her if that was common with a blighted ovum, she said no, but they can see the levels increase. That definitely didn't sit right with me. With my last blighted ovum, the HCG levels were never really high and plateaued after the u/s discovered the problem. Basically, everything jived with that first blighted ovum diagnosis, but weren't jiving with the latest one. My "mommy" gut just wasn't satisfied. So, I went on a Friday for another blood draw, but this time I did it at the hospital so I could get the results that same day rather than waiting an entire weekend. The previous HCG I'd had done was at 98,000, so when the results came back later that day from the hospital at 97,000, I'd come to grips with the fact that it could be another blighted ovum. I finally got the approval for the second opinion u/s the following Tuesday and went into the specialist on Wednesday. I'd been to this specialist before and I knew they had the most up to date machines. Well, when they took me into the room and I saw the little laptop u/s machine instead of the big behemoth one I was expecting, I think I'd come to grips with the fact that it was probably what the doc said it was and I was basically there for confirmation of his diagnosis.

Well, the nice (probably sympathetic) nurse asked me a couple questions then said that she would start with an abdominal before going to transvaginal just to get some measurements. Well, within seconds of her placing the wand on my stomach, I saw something. Which is more than you are supposed to see with a blighted ovum. Lo and behold, wriggling around defiantly on the screen with a powerful 173bpm heartbeat was an 8wk 3day old baby. Turns out that the "decrease" in HCG levels were not really a decrease, but a variance in the different lab's ways of reading the results. I cannot begin to describe the feeling to you as I listened to that strong little heartbeat, but then you can probably imagine. So I will leave you with this. You KNOW your body, even if you think you don't. DON'T let anyone try to push you in a direction that you feel in your gut is wrong. Remember, we had a SCHEDULED D & E. Which means had I have not followed up on my instinct, we would have terminated a perfectly fine pregnancy. DO your homework, and PUSH BACK. You are your own medical advocate and if you can afford it, then push hard and expect resistance. But let me tell you how quiet everyone who was telling me not to hope and pushing me in the wrong direction got when I showed them the picture of that perfectly healthy 8 week old baby. You ask questions until you feel that you have all the answers you need and then ask if there are other questions you should be asking. Do not let go until you FEEL that you can, not that you are being told to. I wish you all the best and please keep us updated!

Claudette - posted on 10/24/2012

We will pray for the lord's will to be done.

Debbie - posted on 10/24/2012

That guy was definately a jerk & so unproffessional. You should call & report him. Praying all is well with your little one. Please keep us posted.

Amie - posted on 10/23/2012

I'm sorry for your experience but just hold hope a little. I was out by two weeks, swore I wasn't but was. Babies heart beats sometimes can't be picked up until 8 weeks. I know, happend to me and I'm on my third now with a healthy 31week pregnancy.



Another story was a close friend of mine was told that at 8 weeks they foetus had to heart beat and they wanted to extract what was left the following morning. She had had bleeding etc so naturally they thought she miscarried. Her husband told her not to because he had a hunch bubs was still there alive. They waited a week, against doctors orders, surprise surprise their little angel is five now. Her dates were just out so they couldn't pick up a beat.



I'm not saying all is ok with you but I am saying just go with your instincts and get another opinion. That guy is a jerk! X

Cherie - posted on 10/23/2012

make them do it over you pay for the frigging test you should get what you pay for...2nd opinion

Threenorns - posted on 10/23/2012

i'm only speaking from my own experience (16 pregnancies, 3 babies) but if he couldn't find a heartbeat, that's not good. at 9wks, i've never had a problem seeing the pulse myself. and yes - it's not a good sign when they turn the screen away.



that being said, i would be laying a complaint with the clinic and the licensing body SO FAST he'd probably drop his cell phone.

Jessica - posted on 10/23/2012

I think its very early to check for the heart rate from what i remember.. The guy was probally just an ass and very in sensitive.. Dont stress its bad for the baby.. I hope for this best keep us updated please

Desiree - posted on 10/23/2012

You need to file a complaint with the clinic about how he behaved! That is soooo unprofessional and uncalled for!! ( I work in a hospital and that would NEVER fly with my company! ) I would have been furious because of that alone! As for the rest, Im very surprised that they didn't do a transvaginal US and I was always told that is the ONLY way to truly date an early pregnancy.

As for not finding a HP, I wouldn't throw out all hope just yet. My fingers are crossed for you and I hope that everything turns out well!

Joanne - posted on 10/23/2012

There isn't always a heart beat that can be seen at 9 weeks, if they saw the sac and you have been having no symptoms of a miscarriage, relax and take a deep breath. Easier said than done. Have the lab work done, and if that is good then you may be a week off on dates which could put you earlier. You are not deluded, always hold on to hope. They should have done a transvaginal as early as it is. I would also call his superiors and tell them the experience you had so someone else is spared that

.

Pat - posted on 10/23/2012

I know I would have requested that he put the phone away before touching me or doing any tests. I won't even let a cashier ring up my purchases while on a phone, I'd certainly never let a tech. do an ultra sound on me while gabbing to someone else. Especially something as important as this. That said, I realize you were not in the position to make demands. It's so sad that at our most vulnerable times, we have to put up with and accept the actions of assholes. I hope your baby is well and growing normally. If the good Lord takes the soul of your baby back, there must have been a problem so severe that mercy was shown you and your baby. I miscarried a baby and it hurts like nothing else. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

Stephanie - posted on 10/23/2012

Don't panic! If he didn't do a transvaginal, you probably won't hear it so early on. Calm your nerves because the baby can feel them. I had to go back six times to hear the heart beat. I know have a beautiful 5 year old with no problems at all. Please post when you find out. Blessings!

Crystal - posted on 10/23/2012

@ Chana Moriel



Your post is confusing. You said techs aren't highly educated, but they are in identifying what they see, especially when experienced. But they are educated and trained to observe and report based on their findings and the doctors refer to their reports and are mindful when evaluating the images themselves. That said, you said the tech did not find anything which you agreed with but the doctor while performing the ultrasound him/herself insisted it was there... so that's kinda contradictory, considering you're saying the professional was in the wrong, not the tech.



Anyway.. just saying =p

Natecka - posted on 10/23/2012

Hey,expect the worst but hope for the best.I went in for a ultrasound the other day and it was horrible. The tech kept asking me when last did I got a positive test,will doing the ultrasound she said nothing to me. My bladder wasn't even full beacuse that was my first ultrasound and I wasn't informed to full my bladder.anyways,after the the tech finish I ask her is everything ok she told me she can't answer me because she's not a doctor. Am very scared because I was sent to do the ultrasound because I was bleeding.now, am unavailable to see my doctors because I have no one to take me. Just relax and rest and don't worry too much. Best of luck, I also did a blood test

Chana - posted on 10/23/2012

Don't expect the worst. These ultrasound technicians are not highly educated and the ultrasound itself can be easily misinterpreted.



I went to the Dr. to have an I.U.D replace. It can been expelled so I needed a new one. The Dr. didn't believe me so she ordered an ultrasound. The technician said that she couldn't see it. Of course! It wasn't there!!! So the dr. came in and did the ultrasound herself, ignoring the technician's report. During the dr.'s ultrasound, she claims to see the IUD that I know isn't there. I'm freaking out because I know that there should be nothing in my uterus.



I try in vain to explain to her that it couldn't possibly be there. She proceeds to dig in my cervix with alligator clamps insisting that it must be embedded in there somehow.



Long story short; ultrasounds are not conclusive on their own and like x-rays must be evaluated by an expert. It sounds like the guy who did yours was completely incompetent. Stay calm and ask for another ultrasound by a more experienced technician.



The heartbeat can be detected if the equipment is used properly. If you are to worried, you can go to the E.R. for heartbeat and ultrasound in the mean time.



Your baby needs you to stay calm. Stress hormones released by the mother can pass through the placenta.



The worst that you should expect at this time is that you came into contact with an idiot technician and you will probably need reevaluation. Until you discuss this with a true professional, stay calm.





Best wishes

Crystal - posted on 10/23/2012

It's always good practice to expect the worst but hope for the best, that way anything better than the worst is pleasant surprise. But yeah like a few said, this guy sounded like a complete unprofessional douche and was likely too 'distracted' to do his job properly! I can not understand how people work in fields that deal with sensitive situations and have no cooth! I would report him, place a formal complaint. He was right in saying he's not "supposed" to tell you anything just in case he IS wrong.. but anyone can make mistakes, including doctors, so I would have wanted to know everything he could tell me from his experience.. but it sounds like he lacks know-how anyway. Sorry you had such a shitty first ultrasound, ask around family and friends, many women remember in detail the good and bad and you may find some good referrals!!!





Side note.. I really hate what this 'age of technology' is bringing out in people! No one can seem to put their f*cking phones down >

Barbara - posted on 10/23/2012

I do not think you need to panic just wait for the next ultrasound. Breathe and take care of yourself. My niece had an ultrasound and was told that the baby's limbs were too short and expect to have a dwarf. As it turned out they were wrong. Do not know what they were looking at. Breathe and pray.

Catherine - posted on 10/22/2012

expect the worse. I have had the same type of ultrasound results.

Dana - posted on 10/21/2012

I had the same results with an ultra sound at about the same time frame of 9 weeks. And like others who posted here, was told it was a " molar pregnancy" and that I would miscarry. 3 weeks later, another ultrasound and there was a heartbeat and a fetus. Our beautiful girl is here with us today! So, be cautious and calm yourself a bit, things might just be OK ;)

Kathryn - posted on 10/21/2012

I am praying for you; he didn't handle it well but could still be new at the process. Remember, that if a miscarriage is in the first trimester it means the fetus didn't develop properly. Miscarriages during the second pregnancy are, unfortunately, quite normal. Take care of yourself.

Charity - posted on 10/21/2012

Please keep us updated!

Charity - posted on 10/21/2012

It still is really early to find the heartbeat it is not uncommon to not be able to detect a heartbeat in the very early u/s and have a perfectly healthy baby at later u/s and birth. I would contact administration and let them know of your experience with the u/s tech that is truly unacceptable behavior. He should know how important and sometimes scary it is to be concerned for your baby and should of had more respect and communication.

Jesse - posted on 10/21/2012

Sorry! It posted before I was done. So...I went back a few weeks later to get an ultrasound to make sure that the miscarriage was happening the way it was supposed to and they found a heartbeat!! My baby is now 9 months old. I wasn't as far along as they thought which is why there was no heartbeat. I really hope that's the case for you as well. Best of luck! And I think you should report the guy that gave you an ultrasound. What a jerk! Between the cell phone calls and the way he dealt with you... Ridiculous!

Jesse - posted on 10/21/2012

I went in for my first ultrasound and there was no heartbeat. They told me I was miscarrying

Dove - posted on 10/20/2012

Probably expect the worst, but still hope for the best. I'm sorry! I'll hope for the best for you too.

Makayla - posted on 10/20/2012

Honestly sounds to me the guy that did your ultrasound was a douche. Also since he wasnt paying much attention and he was on the phone most of the time, he probably read it wrong. I wouldnt worry to much about it. You dont need to stress that is not a good thing just relax take a bath or something. Then tomorrow go in hopeful and see what happens. I wish you the best of luck and God bless.